Researchers at Mississippi State University are closely monitoring the expansion of the Asian needle ant, an invasive species that has established a growing presence across the Southeastern U.S., including various parts of Mississippi. First documented in the state in 2013, the non-native ant is now a subject of extensive study by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES).

According to JoVonn Hill, director of the Mississippi Entomological Museum and assistant professor with MAFES, the Asian needle ant has significantly expanded its range since the early 2000s, with populations now abundant along the East Coast and isolated sightings extending into Louisiana and Arkansas.

“We first documented them in Mississippi in 2013, and they’re continuing to move,” Hill stated.

The sleek, shiny black ants, similar in size to a fire ant, prefer shaded, damp environments, nesting under logs, mulch, or leaf litter. While they are not aggressive, they are capable of stinging if threatened or trapped. Joe MacGown, museum ant curator, noted that he experienced a mild fever after being stung multiple times, a reaction he hadn’t encountered with other ant species.

A key concern for researchers is the Asian needle ant’s potential to displace native ant species and other insects. Field observations suggest they can quickly dominate suitable habitats. Hill noted, “We’ve seen areas where Asian needle ants seem to dominate entire habitats. It’s mostly anecdotal, but in places where we’d normally expect a diversity of native ants or beetles in leaf litter, we’re finding mostly—or only—Asian needle ants.”

Current research efforts by MAFES are concentrated on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Oxford, areas where established populations have been observed. Researchers anticipate further expansion into northern Mississippi due to favorable climate conditions and human activity.

“We’re conducting targeted surveys along the Alabama and Tennessee borders, the Gulf Coast and on public lands to map their range and evaluate their ecological impact,” Hill explained. The primary goal is to provide identification services, survey, and monitor the spread of the species over time.

The public is encouraged to assist researchers by reporting suspected sightings of Asian needle ants. Hill and MacGown advise submitting clear photos to MacGown at jmacgown@entomology.msstate.edu, emphasizing that this is a safe and effective way to contribute to their research without risking stings.

“They’re here, and they’re spreading,” MacGown said. “But it’s not about being scared—it’s about being informed.”

Mississippi State Researchers Track Invasive Asian Needle Ant

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State University researchers are actively tracking the spread of the Asian needle ant, an invasive species establishing a growing presence across the Southeastern U.S., including Mississippi. First documented in the state in 2013, this non-native ant is now a focus of study for the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES).

JoVonn Hill, director of the Mississippi Entomological Museum and assistant professor with MAFES, noted the ant’s significant expansion since the early 2000s. “We first documented them in Mississippi in 2013, and they’re continuing to move,” Hill stated, adding that populations are now abundant along the East Coast, with isolated sightings in Louisiana and Arkansas.

These sleek, shiny black ants, similar to fire ants, prefer shaded, damp environments like those found under logs, mulch, or leaf litter. While generally not aggressive, they can sting if threatened. Joe MacGown, museum ant curator, reported experiencing a mild fever after multiple stings.

A primary concern is the Asian needle ant’s potential to displace native ant species. Field observations suggest they can quickly dominate suitable habitats. “We’ve seen areas where Asian needle ants seem to dominate entire habitats,” Hill explained, noting that areas typically rich in native ants or beetles are increasingly yielding only, or mostly, Asian needle ants.

Current MAFES research is concentrated on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Oxford, where established populations exist. Researchers anticipate further expansion into northern Mississippi due to favorable climate and human activity.

“We’re conducting targeted surveys along the Alabama and Tennessee borders, the Gulf Coast and on public lands to map their range and evaluate their ecological impact,” Hill said. The goal is to provide identification services, survey, and monitor the species’ spread.

The public is encouraged to report suspected sightings by emailing clear photos to MacGown at jmacgown@entomology.msstate.edu. “They’re here, and they’re spreading,” MacGown emphasized. “But it’s not about being scared—it’s about being informed.”